If you love a classic BLT, you’re going to adore this BLT Pasta Salad! Creamy ranch dressing, crispy bacon, fresh veggies, and al dente pasta come together for a refreshing, flavorful salad that’s perfect as a potluck side or a light summer meal. Quick to assemble and easy to transport, this salad pairs perfectly with any grilled dish.
Ingredients
- 10 slices bacon, cooked crisp and diced
- 16 oz bowtie or rotini pasta, cooked and cooled
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¾ cup ranch dressing
- 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ⅓ cup red onion, diced
- 1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped
- Fresh parsley, optional for garnish
Instructions
- Whisk together mayonnaise and ranch dressing in a small bowl.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cheddar cheese, red onion, romaine, and bacon.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Garnish with parsley if desired and serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- Prep Veggies Quickly: Use a small food chopper or food processor to dice onions, lettuce, and other vegetables in seconds.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Follow package instructions carefully to avoid overcooking.
- Crispy Bacon: Cook bacon in a skillet for extra crispiness or use pre-cooked bacon.
- Substitutions: Swap some mayo with sour cream, or try turkey bacon, arugula, baby spinach, chopped broccoli, or diced avocado for added variety.
- Flavor Boosts: Add fresh lemon juice, garlic powder, or onion powder to the dressing for extra zing.
This BLT Pasta Salad is always a crowd favorite—creamy, crunchy, and full of fresh flavors. Perfect for summer meals, picnics, and weeknight dinners!